CALLOUS thieves stole a handbag from an Ellesmere Port pensioner as she was putting flowers on her daughter's grave.

The incident happened at about 3.15pm last Wednesday in the grounds of St Paul's Church on Chester Road, Hooton.

The woman and her husband were tending the grave of their daughter who died in 2001 at the age of just 42.

The woman, who does not want to be named, said: 'We go to the churchyard every week to take flowers and tidy up the grave.

'A young man pulled up on a mountain bike and said he was looking for his grandad's grave.

'We told him where we thought he should look but he changed his mind saying he would ask his sister.'

But while the man was asking for help, two accomplices, also on mountain bikes, broke into the couple's car and stole the handbag which was placed out of sight and on the floor.

The bag contained photographs of family members, including their daughter.

Other items stolen included a large amount of cash, keys, a mobile phone, credit cards and chequebook. The cash included the woman's pension money.

The woman added: 'I think what they've done is despicable. I remember thinking at the time about what a lovely young man he must be. How wrong I was.'

Also stolen from the car was a front door key and a set of spare car keys, which has meant new locks have had to be fitted.

The Rev David Sargeant of St Paul's Church said: 'We are reminded again of how little thieves care for the people whom they target.

'Our sympathy goes out to victims of crime, but unfortunately, this is not the first, nor likely to be the last such incident in the church car park.'

He added: 'Despite many signs advising people not to leave valuables in the car, it is always the case that theft happens when people have just nipped across to the graveyard, leaving bags and valuables in their car.'

Although there is no description of the two thieves who stole the bag there is a description of the man who spoke to the couple.

He is aged 16-18, about 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in tall, of average build, with dark skin, dark hair and brown eyes.

He was wearing a plain, light coloured top, possibly beige, and was riding a black mountain bike.

A Cheshire police spokesman said: 'This is a particularly callous theft that has occurred at a church while the couple were paying their respects.'

Anyone with information can call the police on 01244 613020 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.